Saturday 6th February:

#NAP – CHRISTOPHER WOOD (2.05 Musselburgh) – This Paul Nicholls-inmate won comfortably on his only previous visit to this track, over C&D almost a year ago when winning a handicap off an 8lb lower mark in soft ground. He was a winner on the level at Pontefract over the summer and since returning to timber has posted a couple of good efforts against good opposition. He was second behind the improving Mint Condition on reappearance and the last day saw him travel strongly into a good handicap at Ascot but had to settle for second having carried top-weight (gave 12lb to the winner). He has been nudged up a couple of pounds since but Angela Cheleda claims a handy 7lb and I’d be shocked if he’s not seriously involved if showing the same level of form here with conditions to suit. (7/2) – Bet365 – 1pt – WON (+4.5)

#IWAC – GARDEFORT (2.55 Sandown) – A 12-year-old now who put up a fine performance on his first run after a 588-day absence when second in a hot Ascot handicap won by Bennys King who has since finished second in a better race and the third Smarty Wild has come out and won subsequently. Connections blamed the quick turnaround for his most recent run when pulled-up at Wincanton so arrives here with question marks but if able to forget that run and return to form then he’s on a dangerous mark (has won off 139 & 132 as well as this mark of 124). The ground will be testing but he’s from the Venetia Williams yard who is notorious for her heavy-ground winners, Charlie Deutsch is on board so fingers crossed this prominent-racer turns up here. (12/1) – Bet365 – 0.5pt ew (3 places) – 3rd (+1.7)

Stake: 2pts

February P/L: -2pts

Overall P/L (Sept ’17-present): +570.95pts